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EndNote 21 for Mac

Instructions for using EndNote for Mac

What are filters?

Most databases allow you to directly export your search results into your EndNote Library (see Export Directly from Online Databases).

A few databases require you to save your database search results as a text (.txt) file, and then to import that file into EndNote using filters.

EndNote comes with a range of filters. You may download specific filters using the link below:

Downloading & Using a Import filter

To download a filter:

  1. Go to EndNote download Import Filters page
  2. Choose the filter and click Download
  3. It will open inside your EndNote program
  4. Click on File > Save As
  5. Click Save
  6. Close the filter.

This will save it in the appropriate directory on your computer. Usually this will be Documents >EndNote Filters.

Make sure the EndNote folder locations match where you are saving the filters. In EndNote select EndNote 21> Settings...> Endnote Preferences > Folder Locations > Filters Folder.

Once you have saved your text file from a database, you will then need to import that text file into your EndNote Library:

  1. Open your EndNote Library
  2. Click on File > Import 
  3. Browse your computer to find the text (.txt) file you have saved from your database search
  4. Choose the appropriate filter from Import Options
  5. Click Import 

P.S. If you cannot see the Import Options, click the button Show Options at the bottom left corner